What is Microchimerism?

Microchimerism is the harboring of small numbers of cells that originated
in a genetically different individual.

During pregnancy some cells traffic from the mother to the fetus and
from the fetus to the mother.

Surprisingly, a small number of the mother’s cells persist in
her offspring, including into adult life.

And a small number of cells from prior pregnancies persist in mothers
many years later.

It has only recently become apparent that naturally-acquired microchimerism
is common in humans. A number of medical research teams are currently investigating
both good and bad consequences of microchimerism in human health and disease.

"I contain multitudes" - Walt Whitman

This website gives an overview of microchimerism and provides links to research that has been done or is currently in progress on the subject.